Control of formosan subterranean termite infestations using baits containing an insect growth regulator (Architectural preservation)

Baits containing an insect growth regulator, hexaflumuron, were used in the historic Presbytere and the Creole House of the Cabildo, in the French Qua rter of New Orleans, Louisiana, to control infestations of the Formosan sub terranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. As with many historic st ructures in the French Quarter, these two landmarks have sustained chronic infestations by C. formosanus for the last three decades. Baits were applie d using both above-ground and in-ground stations between late 1996 and earl y 1997. Termite activity was monitored using an acoustic emission detector and in-ground monitoring stations. After consuming = 0.4-1g hexaflumuron du ring the three to nine month baiting period, the target populations of C. f ormosanus in these two building were eliminated. No dispersal flights were observed in the springs of 1997 and 1998 from these historic buildings.